Independence Day celebrated with enthusiasm, traditional fervor across Jammu and Kashmir

The 70th Independence Day was celebrated across the Kashmir division with enthusiasm and traditional fervor. People from different sections of the society, including senior government functionaries, members of police, security forces and students of various educational institutions took part in the Independence Day functions at the district headquarters.

At Budgam : Minister for Agriculture Production, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past presented by JKP, JKAP, Home Guard and CRPF at the main function held at Sports Stadium here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended greetings to the people and paid rich tributes to all those who scarified their lives for attaining the freedom. He said the nation is indebted to all those who struggled and put hard efforts to liberate the country from the clutches of cruel colonial rulers and it is the duty of every countryman/woman to contribute for preserving the hard won independence.

Highlighting the achievements during the previous regime of PDP under the leadership of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Minister said that the present dispensation will maintain the same vision and momentum of development of all regions of the State with spirit and enthusiasm and come up to the expectations of the people who have shown great faith in the PDP. He said the present regime is committed to bridge the gap between all the regions of the state and maintain cordial relations with the people, besides ensuring peace, progress and tranquility.

The Minister appealed the people to extend their wholehearted support for maintaining peace in the Valley. He called upon the parents to give counseling to their wards not to resort to violence as it doesn’t solve any issue, saying that, the issues, if any, can be addressed through dialogue for which the Government is committed.

While highlighting the support of the Central Government, the Minister said that Centre fully acknowledges the financial constrains of the State Government and to overcome these odds, and to undertake infrastructural development of the State, has sanctioned a whooping package of Rs. 80,000 crore. This package will transform the developmental scenario of Jammu and Kashmir in all fronts. He also highlighted various flagship schemes/programmes initiated by the Central and State Government for the welfare and progress of the State.

At Anantnag: Minister for Roads and Building and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri hoisted the national flag at the district level function held at Government Degree College (Boys) Anantnag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, District Ladies Police, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister remembered the numerous sacrifices of people from all sections of the society, irrespective of caste, creed and colour for securing the freedom from the British rule after a long struggle. He paid rich tributes to all those who sacrificed their lives for the cause and called upon the people, especially the younger generation to contribute for preserving the hard won independence.

Highlighting the achievements of the present coalition government headed by Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, the Minister said that several initiatives have been taken for the holistic development of the state and Anantnag district specifically. He said projects like Government Medical College at Dialgam to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 190 crore, construction of Circular roads of the town at a cost of Rs 125 Crore are some of the key initiatives for changing development scenario. He said that the government has also taken steps to improve the education system for which the present coalition government managed to vacate the land at University South campus, High Ground Anantnag which was under the use of the security forces.

He called upon the people, especially the youth to maintain calm and help in maintaining peace, which is must for ensuring development and progress of the State.

At Kupwara : Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq Khan hoisted the National Flag , inspected the parade and took salute at combined march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards, FPF and SPOs.

On the occasion, he appealed the people to shun the path of violence and join hands with the government for ensuring all round development and progress of the State. He said the grievances of the society, if any, can only be addressed though peaceful means and dialogue, for which the present Government making all out efforts in this direction.

He also expressed concern over the deaths during the present unrest and called upon the youth not to resort to stone pelting and help in maintaining peace.

He also threw light on the independence of the country and paid rich tributes to all those who laid down their lives while participating in the long liberation struggle.

On this occasion the MLA Kupwara Mr. Bashir Ahmad Dar , District Development Commissioner ,Rajeev Ranjan , SSP Kupwara Mr. Shamsheer Hussain, ADC Kupwara Dr Hafeez Masoodi, Offices of District administration , Police, Army and other disciplinary besides political and field workers were present the occasion witnessed the programme.

At Baramulla: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Bukhari unfurled the national flag at DPL Baramulla and inspected the parade, took salute on the march past by contingents of Police, CRPF, NCC, Fire & Emergency, SSB besides the contingents of students from KV & Army Goodwill School.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that as the whole nation is celebrating 70th Independence Day which is really a proud moment for all. He remembered the national heroes who sacrificed their lives for achieving the freedom for the countrymen. He paid them rich tributes for their great contribution for the nation and said that the countrymen will remain ever indebted to them, said Mr. Bukhari.

Maintaining that the Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a very difficult phase, the Minister said that it is very painful to see stones in the hands of young children which ought to have books and laptops. He said that Independence Day celebration carries weight only when peace and harmony prevails in the society and it is our collective duty and responsibility to carry forward the development and progress of the nation and live a dignified life. Pointing to those who handover stones in the hands of the young children, the Minister warned such elements to refrain from such so-called activities which are responsible for spoiling the career of the younger generation.

The Minister further said that government is committed to equitable development of all the three regions of the state and is striving hard to extend basic amenities at the grass root level. He appealed for maintaining peace and cooperating with the administration for bringing the holistic development of the district.

MLA Baramulla Mr. Javeed Hassan Being, DIG Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, SSP Baramulla and other officers form army besides prominent citizens and a large number of locals were present on the occasion.

At Pulwama: Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment, Dr. Haseeb Drabu hoisted the National Flag, inspected parade and took salute of the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, Forest Protection Force and that of Fire and Emergency Services participated in the march past.

The Minister while highlighting the significance of the occasion expressed grief over the killing of 58 persons during the ongoing unrest in the Valley and said that the present government is much concerned about the situation in Kashmir and efforts are being made to initiate dialogue with all stakeholders to address the genuine concerns of the people.

Referring to the agenda of alliance and the vision of late Mr. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, he said that during last 70 years, due to dearth of funds, developmental works were going on at a snail’s pace. But now when the present government managed funds, the government is unable to spend these due to prevailing turmoil in the Valley and peace is indispensible to ferry the State on the path of development.

National Flag was also hoisted at subdivision Tral and all tehsils of district Pulwama.

At Kulgam: Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF and other wings of paramilitary forces participated in the parade.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the significance of the occasion and said that the day marks the liberation of country from the colonial British rule after a long struggle by all sections of the society. Every countryman/woman should feel proud to celebrate this day with joy and fervor, said the Minister.

On this occasion, the Minister appealed the people to maintain peace and tranquility in the State which is pre-requisite for ensuring development and progress. He said that the present coalition government is committed to the overall development of Kulgam district for which several initiatives have already been taken.

At Shopian : Minister of State for Forest & Sheep Husbandry, Mr Zahoor Ahamd Mir unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, Armed Police, Home Guard voluntaries and forest protection force.

On this occasion, the Minister greeted the people of the State for the auspicious day and remembered the hard work of those who contributed for the long struggle for attaining the freedom for the country.

The Minister also appealed the people, especially the youth to become partner in the development process of the State and strengthen the hands of the present government which is committed for peace and prosperity in the state.

At Bandipora: Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Gani Kohli hoisted the National Flag at the main function held at Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Stadium here and took salute of the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, CRPF, IRP, NCC and school children.

District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, SP Bandipora, senior officers from civil administration, police, army, besides senior citizens, students and a large number of people attended the function.

The Minister greeted the people on this special occasion and said that the day reminds us the importance and sacrifices of all those who fought for the independence of the country for securing the future of the generations. He called upon the people to make their efforts to strengthen the ethics and bonds of mutual brotherhood, tolerance to make the society progressive and prosperous. He also appealed the people to leave the path of confrontation and join their force with the government to make the Jammu and Kashmir a best place on the planet. He said Kashmir is known for peace, tranquility, tolerance and mutual brotherhood from the ages, and people must make the collective efforts to maintain and preserve its unique character.

The school children presented a variety of theme based cultural programmes on the occasion.

Later, the Minister distributed prizes and certificates among the meritorious participants and employees for their meritorious services in different fields.

At Kargil: The Chairman/Chief Executive Councilor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Haji Mohammad Haneef Jan hoisted the national flag at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium and took salute at the march past presented by the forces of different wings and school children.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Haneef Jan said that the sacrifices made by the great leaders of the nation like Mahatma Gandhi, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad and so many others who fought for attaining the freedom for us and it is the duty of all to preserve and strengthen the democracy and integrity of the nation. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were equally partner in the freedom struggle and it was the joint struggle which brought the result after many hardships and odds.

He greeted the people for this special day and said that every countryman/woman should have proud on this occasion. He also issued an appeal to the people of Valley to maintain peace for the progress and development of the State.

He also hailed the wholehearted support by the Central Government for the development of this hilly region and hoped that the Centre will continue to focus on the development of the region and people. He hoped that the development initiatives announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Kargil district will be expeditiously implemented on ground.

The School children and artists from Cultural Academy Kargil presented much performance. The councilor distributed mementoes and consolation prizes among the participants and other administrative officers on the conclusion.

At Leh: Chief Executive Counselor, LAHDC, Dr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo unfurled the national tri-colour amidst the gathering of thousands of people at Polo Ground with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Sonam Dawa said that Independence Day is a moment to remember the freedom fighters who gave supreme sacrifices to free our country. He said the occasion is to take a pledge, commitment to serve our motherland and contribute our part of duty and responsibility for the development and progress of the nation. He said it is our collective responsibility to strengthen the bonds of mutual brotherhood, tolerance and integrity of the nation which we all have got after a great struggle by our forefathers.

Highlighting the achievements of LAHDC, Leh in last 10 months, the CEC said that due to timely and prompt action of Council, today farmers of Leh district are ready to harvest their crops, adding that we have been successful in restoring almost all the damaged canals and head works which were damaged in 2015 floods. The beautification project of Leh in main Leh bazaar is 90% complete and the market will be handed over to the public in next 5 to 10 days. The blacktopping of roads in Housing Colony is almost complete and blacktopping of Fort Road and Shynam roads will start in next couple of days, said the CEC.

Dr Dawa appealed all the people representatives irrespective of political parties, responsible citizens, Govt officers and officials to shoulder their responsibilities in implementing all the Govt schemes with utmost dedication and sincerity.

At Ganderbal : Minister of State for Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Ms. Asiea Naqash hoists the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, PTS Manigam, Forest protection Force and TIBP.

The Minister greeted the people on this special day and appealed for strengthening the bonds of democracy and mutual brotherhood, which is the unique identity of country and Jammu and Kashmir. She reminded the hard struggle by great leaders of the country who fought the long struggle for attaining the freedom for the countrymen, and it is the duty of every citizen to preserve this gift, she added.

Listing the initiatives of the coalition Government, the Minister said that the establishment of Central University and sanctioning the AIIMS in Kashmir Valley were the landmark achievements. She said that ground work on the construction of Zojila tunnel has been started adding that the people of Ganderbal would be benefitted tremendously once the tunnel is completed.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr. Tariq Hussain Ganai, SP Ganderbal, Mr. Imtiyaz Ismail Parray, senior civil and police officers and large number of public were present on the occasion

Jammu Division.

The 70th Independence Day was today celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety across Jammu province as I-Day functions were held at all district, sub-division and Tehsil headquarters.

A large number of people including women and children turned up at the venues to participate in the national event.

AT Rajouri: The main function in this border district was held at District Police Line where Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali unfurled the national flag and took salute from the march past comprising the contingents of Jammu Kashmir police (JKP), Central reserve police force (CRPF), Jammu Kashmir forest protection force (JKFPF), National cadet corps (NCC), and the school children of various educational institutes of the District.

Addressing the people, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali paid rich tributes to leaders of freedom struggle and sought the cooperation of people for realizing their cherished dream of a developed and poverty free India.

Highlighting the achievements registered by Indian Nation over last seventy years of Independence, he said “The cardinal principles of secularism and socialism enshrined in our constitution has assured equitable development of people irrespective of cast, colour and community”.

“We are proud to be the citizens of largest and vibrant democracy where fully flourished democratic instructions guarantee a dignified life to every citizen of the country” he noted and called upon the people to contribute sincerely to safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

He said peace is imperative for a nation to progress but in a democracy the citizens too have right to raise their voice.

Referring to the unrest in valley, the Minister said that dialogue and reconciliation is the only way to settle the issues.

He called upon the youth not to become tools in the hands of vested interest and jeopardize their safety, future and well being. He appealed the parents to keep close watch on their wards and help them to take right decisions

The Minister also listed the measures taken by the government to cover maximum number of deserving and eligible families under the Public Distribution System. He said the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme, launched by Mehobooba Mufti led state government is ensuring adequate food grains to all eligible families.

“Under the scheme additional 5 kg food grain is being provided per soul over and above the NFSA scale to BPL, PHH and NPHH” he added. The department is striving hard for bringing transparency in the distribution of food grains and to weed out pilferage and black marketing.

At SAMBA: Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across the Samba District. The main function was held at Arazi Stadium where Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march past.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended warm Independence Day greetings to the people and sought their support and cooperation in the development of state and nation.

The Minister highlighted various schemes and initiatives taken by the state govt for socioeconomic development of the people. He said that the utmost priority is being given to construction of Roads, Water and power supply schemes and upgrade core infrastructure.

He appreciated the online service delivery model being adopted in Samba district like Online Applications for PRC and Driving License. He stressed that Aadhaar based Beneficiary identification system has greatly helped in streamlining the govt schemes. He also referred to steps taken for expanding and upgrading the healthcare and educational facilities.

At KATHUA: The 70th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, patriotic zeal and national fervor across the border district Kathua.

The main function was held at District Sports Stadium where Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh hoisted the National flag and took salute at an impressive march past.

Ch Lal Singh congratulated the people on the 70th Independence Day and recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure independence for the country. He paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chander Shekhar Azad, Rajguru, Sukhdev and scores of other unsung heroes of Indian freedom struggle.

He appealed the people to cooperate with the government to take the country to new heights of progress adding Union and State governments have initiated several social security schemes for inclusive development of all sections of the country.

Earlier, the I-Day celebrations began with the playing of Shahnai Vadan by the District Information Centre.

On the occasion, Chief Guest honored Machhar Dass Katal- the Commentator of Information Department for his 37 years of his valuable services. The minister also gave away prizes and trophies to the participants of March Past and cultural programmes.

MLA Kathua, Rajiv Singh Jasrotia, District Development Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, SSP Neeva Jain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Bharat Bhushan, District Officers and a large number of people attended the celebration function.

Independence Day was also celebrated at tehsil head quarters of the district.

At Doda: District administration Doda celebrated the 70th Independence Day by organizing a grand function at local Sports stadium. Minster for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs Chering Dorjay hoisted the national Flag and took salute at the March past.

In his address, the Minister congratulated and greeted the people on this national festival and paid homage and rich tributes to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. Recalling the importance of this day, he said that it is the duty of every citizen to preserve and protect the unity and integrity of the nation. Besides we all should strive to maintain peace, communal harmony and brotherhood as it is imperative for the development of the country.

Similar functions were held at Bhaderwah where SDM unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march-past.

At REASI: Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda unfurled the National Flag in Reasi and took salute at an impressive march past.

DDC Reasi Ravinder Kumar, ADDC Bhawani Singh Rakwal, SSP Sujit Kumar, ACR, DYSSO, CEO, CPO, senior officers from Civil and Police Administration, prominent citizens, general public and students in large number were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Nanda paid homage to the great leaders and freedom fighters. He also paid tributes to security personnel who laid down their lives for protecting sovereignty and integrity of the country. He also highlighted the major developmental projects taken up in Reasi to provide better facilities to the people.

Students of various educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and heritage of the region. Later, Prizes were distributed among the winners of cultural programmes and march-past.

Similar functions were also held at Sub Division and Tehsil headquarters across the district.

At UDHAMPUR: The people of Udhampur celebrated the 70th Independence Day with patriotic fervor by attending the celebration functions in large numbers. Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture, Tourism, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks Priya Sethi unfurled the National flag and took salute from march past at the main function held at Government Degree College.

Addressing a huge gathering of 9000 citizens, the Minister congratulated people on the national festival and recalled sacrifices made by the army and security forces to protect the country from enemies.

She made a special mention of Captain Tushar Mahajan who was martyred while fighting militants in Pampore of South Kashmir; she commemorated all the brave hearts who laid down their lives while fighting for the nation. She further appealed to the citizens to serve the nation with devotion, honesty and truthfulness.

Highlighting the achievements of the Government, she said that the annual CAPEX budget of Udhampur district is approximately Rs 180 crores this year. Besides this she also outlined the achievements registered by different departments.

Reiterating the resolve of government expand the reach of education to every corner of the state, she said that under SSA, 388 school buildings are being constructed out of which 47 buildings have been completed while under RMSA the work on 23 schools is in progress .

The Minister further said that there was a huge scope for Horticulture in the district and added that 142 awareness camps and 50 mobile demonstration camps have been organized by the department in order to encourage farmers of the district for developing orchids.

“Series of training programmes were organized to impart training on’ Food Processing and Preservation’ to rural women to make them self-reliant, Sethi said while stressing on Women empowerment. The minister said that work on Patnitop ropeway project would be started soon in the district and various tourist places like Mantalai would be beautified.

Later, the chief guest gave away trophies, certificates of merit to the students who excelled in academics, march past and cultural items.

At Kishtwar: The 70th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at Kishtwar, where Minister of State for Transport Sunil Sharma unfurled the national flag and inspected the guard of honor at Chowgan ground.

Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minister said that nation owes gratitude to the great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom for the country.

Asserting that India is known for unity in diversity, the Minister said this characteristic gives the country a unique strength. He called upon every citizen to strive hard to maintain peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the society.

Sharma listed various developmental projects taken up by in the district. He said to realize hydro electric potential of the region; the govt has sanctioned 6 new Mini Hydro Electric Projects including 4 in Chatroo and 2 in Padder areas of Kishtwar district.

Referring to the scarcity of water in the district, the minister said that twin projects of Naigad multipurpose scheme and canal cluster project at Galigarh costing Rs 233 crore and Rs 17.86 crore respectively will solve this long drawn problem.

He said the upcoming projects would not only provide drinking water but also upgrade irrigation facilities in the district.

The Minister further informed that the famous tourist spot of Sinthan will soon get national highway connectivity with the Kashmir valley as the govt has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for this project. “The Government has also given nod to the construction of Kishtwar-Marmat tunnel which will provide an alternate connectivity to the Chenab region” he added.

He also mentioned the road project from Dangdurru- Navapachi to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 127 crore-the foundation of which was recently laid down by the Minister and is targeted to be completed within 2 years.

A scintillating cultural programme was presented by the school children on the theme of unity, communal harmony and patriotism. Later prizes were distributed among the cultural groups and march past contingents by the Chief Guest.

Similar functions were also held at all the sub divisions and Tehsils of the District where respective SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the national flag.

At Poonch: Minister for Health & Medical Education Bali Bhagat unfurled the National Flag on the 70th Independence Day celebrations here at Sports Stadium.

He took salute at an impressive march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, J&K Armed Police, NCC, Band of 93 infantry Brigade, QRT Commandos and students various educational institution of the district.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister called upon the people to maintain communal harmony and cooperate in the implementation of development policies of the Government.

He said the government is committed to provide accountable and transparent administration to the people and develop Jammu and Kashmir into a model state through a sustainable development process. The Minister also highlighted the Government initiatives taken to catapult the developmental scenario in all the regions of the state.

At RAMBAN: The 70th Independence Day was celebrated at Ramban with patriotic zeal and fervour where Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Chaudhary unfurled the national flag and took salute at an impressive march past.

He also paid rich tributes to the leaders of Indian freedom struggle and highlighted their sacrifices for securing freedom from the British rulers.

MLA Ramban, Neelam Langeh, District Development Commissioner Mohammad Aijaz, senior civil and police functionaries and large number of people attended the function.

The main function was organised at District Police Line Ground, Chandrog where large number of people including officers and officials from civil, police and Army participated.

The Minister applauded the local people for maintaining brotherhood, mutual trust and harmony in the district in all testing times. He also highlighted the achievements of the Government and listed the projects taken up under different sectors.

A colourful cultural programme featuring patriotic, Dogri, Kashmiri and Pahari songs and dance was presented by the students of various schools.

Prizes and trophies were given away to the winners and participants of parade and cultural programme.

Meritorious students, besides officers and local people were also awarded by the chief guest for their contribution in social and economic development.